Page 36 of A Body, A Baron, and Miss Mifford
Highfield held his glass up to the light to better appreciate the amber liquid with which his glass was filled.
“Vive la révolution,” he toasted, with a conspiratorial wink Rob’s way.
“That’s a different war,” Rob countered, but he lifted his own glass in a toast to the French Cellar Masters.
He drained his glass in one gulp—for his head was still slightly fuzzy from earlier—an act noted by Lord Albermay.
“I say, Crabb, you have a thirsty guest on your hands,” the viscount called, gesturing toward Rob, “I caught him roaming the hallways this afternoon in search of something to quench his thirst. You might be more liberal with replenishing the refreshments this evening, for Lord Delaney’s sake.”
“Of course,” Crabb answered, keeping his tone remarkably even, “For the baron’s sake…”
Highfield turned a suspicious glance Rob’s way.
“Don’t,” Rob pleaded, but the marquess was not to be deterred.
“You weren’t looking for a snifter of brandy, for if you were, you would have knocked on my door. Which means you’re either investigating this murder as a solo venture or attempting to woo Miss Mifford,” Highfield whispered. His tone was somewhat scandalised for a man who had at one time done both—albeit with his own Miss Mifford.
Rob remained silent, which only served to fan the flames of his friend’s excitement.
“You’re doing both,” Highfield whelped as realisation dawned upon his handsome face.
“Hush, for heaven’s sake, hush,” Rob admonished as several heads turned their way. Entertainment was thin on the ground, and Rob did not wish for his closely guarded feelings for Eudora to become fodder for gossip.
“Have you and Miss Mifford shared a kiss?” Highfield continued, his question impertinent but his voice, thankfully, at a whisper.
Rob felt the tips of his ears turn red, a sign which Highfield did not miss.
“Lud, man,” he sighed, obviously disappointed, “Whatever are you at? We’ve been here three days. You should have the marriage contract signed and sealed by this stage.”
Rob bristled with annoyance at the marquess’ damning assessment of his romantic prowess.
“Last night, we almost kissed,” Rob replied with a great dollop of indignation. However, only after he had spoken did he realise how pitiful this sounded.
“Almost is the saddest of words,” Highfield sighed in response, “I hope another opportunity to kiss Miss Mifford presents itself, my friend, for if it does not, you will regret almost kissing her for the rest of your life .”
“I wasn’t certain she wanted me to,” Robert answered flatly. “What if my desire for her is not at all reciprocated? How does one know?”
A look of pure bewilderment crossed Highfield’s handsome face.
“I can’t say I’ve ever struggled with those kinds of doubts,” he answered, clearly disorientated by the very concept that a man might be uncertain a lady found him attractive. He paused and took Rob in from top to toe through a pair of thoughtful eyes.
Rob stiffened, waiting for a critique of his hair or clothes—which, though fashionable, lacked the flair with which Highfield wore his.
“And I can’t see why you would suffer such misgivings,” Highfield concluded firmly, “You’re a capital chap, Delaney—handsome and sturdy. So, ruddy kiss the girl before someone else does.”
With that, the marquess rose fluidly to a stand and declared that he intended to join the ladies in the drawing room.
“I feel we would all benefit from a smidgen of female company,” he told the room before offering Rob a none-too-discreet wink.
Almost, Rob thought with a rueful grin as he made to follow him—Highfield had almost managed discretion.
He could not, however, find it in himself to be irritated, for the marquess had set a fire of urgency in his belly. Come hell, high water, or even another murder, Rob would kiss Miss Mifford before the night ended.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
AS MUCH ASEudora wanted to attend to and protect her wounded heart, her plan for an evening of self-pity met with an immediate stumbling block.
This came in the form of Lord Delaney, who Eudora could not discreetly ignore, for he sat himself right beside her.
